Election Commission Ensures Vigilance and Transparency in Lok Sabha and Assembly by-polls in Gujarat

Gandhinagar : As the nation gears up for the Lok Sabha General Election-2024 and Legislative Assembly by-elections, the Election Commission of India, in collaboration with the Chief Electoral Officer, has initiated comprehensive measures to ensure the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. With a stringent focus on upholding the model code of conduct, monitoring election expenditure, and preserving law and order, various teams have been deployed across the state to oversee the electoral proceedings.

With the announcement of the electoral schedule, the Election Commission of India has set forth meticulous arrangements aimed at conducting the elections for 26 Lok Sabha seats and by-elections for 05 Assembly seats in a transparent and peaceful manner in Gujarat.

Under the vigilant eye of 756 flying squads, efforts are underway to monitor and regulate election expenditure, preventing the infiltration of contraband items into the electoral process. Notably, these teams have successfully confiscated a significant amount of illicit goods, including liquor, gold, silver, and various other items, amounting to a total value of Rs. 5.92 crore.

To empower citizens in upholding electoral integrity, the Election Commission has introduced the C-Vigil mobile app, allowing individuals to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct conveniently. Over the past few days, 218 complaints have been lodged via the app, all of which have been promptly addressed in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Election Commission.

Moreover, the National Grievance Services Portal has recorded a total of 1,351 complaints, encompassing various concerns such as voter identity card issues, discrepancies in the voter list, and other grievances. Additionally, the Control Room operating at the Office of the Chief Returning Officer has received and resolved 08 complaints, ensuring swift redressal of electoral concerns.

In a bid to maintain neutrality and fairness, efforts have been made to remove political propaganda materials from both government and private properties. Since March 16, a staggering 1,47,195 posters, banners, and advertisements have been taken down from government premises, with an additional 54,924 removed from private properties.